21st Century #20300 1/32 Scale M2 Halftrack (2002) - HP

I love halftracks! There's an undeniable charm about them with their half-tank, half vehicle appearance. There so were so many variants from all of the combatants that one could specialize in collecting only those. Today's version comes from 21st Century and made back in 2002! I posted an  M16 U.S. Multiple Gun Motor Carriage from Forces of Valor (FOV) on 17 Oct but this one is 'simpler' in that it is fitted with a skate rail MG mount and three 30cal MG's on the rear deck. It measures 8" (20.32cm) L x 2.875" (7.30cm) W x 2.875" (7.30cm) H (to top of 50cal MG housing). This M2, like the M16 posted on the 17th, was a bit of a challenge in that it had been taken out of the box years ago, and was missing pieces that were scattered throughout The Cave and needed finding! But find them I did and now we have photos to show a complete piece.

Between the two manufacturer's there are distinct differences in features and accessories:

-On this one, the front armor plate covering the windshield is operational and can be lowered and raised. It is held in the open position by three hinged supports

-As well, the doors are hinged and the tops can be folded down

-There are benches on either side of the rear deck which can be opened up to reveal more storage

-The hood is hinged allowing it to be opened to reveal the engine

-The FOV version has movable front wheels, while the wheels in this one are stationary

-This has two figures vs. the one figure included in the FOV version

-The FOV version has separate Jerry cans while the ones on this vehicle are molded-in

-The FOV version has sandbag piles while the 21st Century version has no additional accessories

-This has radio gear detail molded into the insides of the deck and a removable antenna (unfortunately, the antenna on this particular piece is broken - it is normally a bit taller)

-There are three 30cal MGs plus the 50cal MG on the ring mount while the Multiple Gun Motor Carriage has four 50cal MGs in a turret

-While this has two rolled up tarps molded-in to the fenders, plus two more pieces of gear in racks behind the vehicle, the FOV version has several removable loose pieces of gear meant to hang off the sides

Ed

Courtesy Museum Of The Marine.org

It's a bit difficult to make out but the bench seat is in the up or open position.

In addition, the antenna seen just behind the right rear MG is broken. It's normally about 1/2" or so taller.

The armor plate on the windshield is down and the doors all closed up.

The windshield armor is raised and the doors opened with the top half folded down.

The hood is hinged in the middle and can be opened to reveal the engine.

Here, all doors and hatches hatches are open 

This series of photos show how the 50cal MG can move around the rail 

Gunner / Commander

Looks like he may be part of the 1st Armored Division

Driver